Noise Level: (3) THIS IS A VERY POPULAR PLACE, AND A VERY BIG CAMPGROUND, SO THERE WILL BE PEOPLE NOISE AND PET NOISE. ASIDE FROM OTHER CAMPERS, THE NOISE LEVEL WAS PRETTY MINIMAL SINCE THE CAMPGROUND IS SET IN FAR ENOUGH FROM THE MAIN ROAD.

Restrooms: (4) THE RESTROOMS WERE CLEAN AND THEY HAVE FLUSH TOILETS AND SINKS INSIDE. THERE WERE ALSO BIG TROUGH LIKE SINKS RIGHT OUTSIDE THE RESTROOMS FOR WASHING DISHES OR HANDS. FOR AN AREA WITH BEARS – THIS WAS A VERY NICE AMENITY.

Campsite Space: (3)THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE “BIGGEST” DOWNSIDES -A LOT OF THE SITE SPACES ARE NOT VERY LARGE. WE BARELY HAD ROOM ENOUGH FOR TWO 4-PERSON TENTS. IF YOU NEED SPACE, PICK A SITE ON THE INNER LOOPS – FACING INWARD.

Shade/Sun: (3.5) THERE ARE A LOT OF TREES, BUT THEY DON’T GIVE AS MUCH SPOT SHADE AS EXPECTED. WE BROUGHT AN EZ-UP FOR SHADE AND PROTECTION FROM THE RAIN.

Bugs/Critters/Wildlife: (4)BEWARE OF BEARS! AND DEER! THIS AREA IS KNOWN FOR LOTS OF WILDLIFE – SOME DANGEROUS, LIKE BEARS (USE YOUR BEAR LOCKERS AND KNOW BEAR SAFETY!) YOU GET TO SEE LOTS OF DEER THOUGH WHICH IS A BONUS, AS THEY’RE NOT USUALLY DANGEROUS. BUGS IN THIS AREA WERE VERY MINIMAL EXCEPT FOR SMALL WOODSY BUGS (ANTS, MITES, SPIDERS, ETC). SEE THE COOL RED MITE WE FOUND BELOW!

Amenities:

FLUSH TOILETS

FIRE PITS WITH GRILL

WOOD PICNIC TABLES

WATER SPIGOTS AND SINKS

BEAR LOCKERS

MOST GORGEOUS MOUNTAIN VIEWS!

FISHING & SWIMMING NEARBY

Comments from the “Chix”

If you don’t mind the drive (at least for those coming in from the LA area) – this is one of our favorite areas in California to camp! You are right outside Yosemite, right next to more lakes than we can count (including June Lake), there is often snow late in the season nearby, and the views are just amazing. You can’t go wrong, no matter what direction you go in from the campground. OH RIDGE is one of the first campgrounds you come to when you enter into the June Lake area – but there are plenty more if this one is booked. There also great RV Only places very close by that are privately owned – with full hook ups!

We highly recommend to take the short drive into Yosemite National Park, as well as visiting some of the nearby lakes. You can fish with a permit, or just enjoy the view and walk in the streams. Check out Crowley Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Grant Lake, Tioga Pass (waterfall photo below) and of course, June Lake!

Pros: If you’re a camper who can just fall in love with gorgeous mountain views, serene lakes and driving/walking through Yosemite – then this is your place. Everywhere you go just makes you want to go “oooohh… aahhhh.” There is no bad view. There is no direction you can head in that won’t make you never want to leave. On top of that, you get snow in cold weather and clear water creeks, lakes, streams and beaches for when it’s warm. You can’t go wrong here!

Cons: Bears & rain. You have to be very careful in these woodsy areas in the mountains, because wildlife really is a threat. This is why they give you bear lockers and warn you about not keeping food or anything with a human scent in your tent (besides yourself obviously). Only other con is that it’s known to suddenly rain – all times of year – but usually only for brief amounts of time. If you follow these rules and stay prepared, there really aren’t many cons to anywhere in the June Lake area.

Tips: Be careful of bears! (Can’t stress this one enough… don’t want our fellow campers to be eaten). Use the bear lockers. Use designated sinks and wash areas. In May it was still cold and rainy – and there was still snow in Yosemite – so check the temp before you come! You’ll either need to bring your cold weather / waterproof gear or your summer gear. And bring your fishing equipment if you’re into that!